v. & n.
v. 1 intr. answer, give a reply. 2 intr. act or behave in an answering or corresponding manner. 3 intr. (usu. foll. by to) show sensitiveness to by behaviour or change (does not respond to kindness). 4 intr. (of a congregation) make answers to a priest etc. 5 intr. Bridge make a bid on the basis of a partner's preceding bid. 6 tr. say (something) in answer.
n. 1 Archit. a half-pillar or half-pier attached to a wall to support an arch, esp. at the end of an arcade. 2 Eccl. a responsory; a response to a versicle. respondence n. respondency n. responder n.
[ ME f. OF respondre answer ult. f. L respondere respons- answer (as RE-, spondere pledge) ]